Casting Call For Cemetery Tales

Deadline is Feb. 8

The casting call for the 2011 production of Cemetery Tales, the third annual cultural heritage event sponsored by The History Museum in partnership with Idlewilde Cemetery, is now being held.

Anyone interested in first-person dramatic portrayals and Hood River County history is welcome to apply to be considered for a part in this historical production.

This year, organizers are asking interested actors to complete a short "I am interested" application which can be found on the museum website at www.co.hood-river.or.us/museum (click on Cemetery Tales on the left bar) or by calling the museum office at 541-386-6772 or email at thehistorymuseum@hrecn.net

Deadline for submission is Feb. 8.

Cemetery Tales event is held at Idlewilde Cemetery in September.

This will be the third year for this special and unique historical program. Last year's event was sold out with over 270 people attending the performances over three days

Actors and actresses selected for this year's performance must be able to commit to the process of persona research, script development for a five to seven minute performance and multiple performance dates (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).

The list of the individuals being considered for portrayal this year include:

Miles Potter (1841-1916) Civil War, Union Army. He and his wife Eleanor moved to Hood River in 1875. He made a living as a cabinet maker and carpenter assisting with the construction of the Belmont Methodist Episcopal Church.

Alfred and Emma Ingalls (son Fred) (1870s to 1900s), members of the Parkhurst Colony that came west in 1875. They settled in the Barrett District. Generations of this family still live in Hood River County today.

Amby, Lawrance, Aubra and Ellen Blowers (1845s to 1912s) early Hood River family with history dating back to the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Amby fought in the Civil War and came to Hood River in 1891. One of the original organizers of the First National Bank of Hood River and mayor in 1904.

Cecil Cutler (1897s) early orchard family with strong English roots.

Phoebe Koberg (early 1900s). Phoebe Gorton married Earl Koberg and lived on the Koberg Ranch. This family is credited with the beginning of the famous Koberg Beach swimming and recreation pavilion.

c. If you are related to or have information and photographs about any of these people and are willing to share details, you are asked to contact the museum office.

Francis and Samantha Absten (1880s) early pioneer family with a connection to the stranded train party at Starvation Creek.

E. O. and Bertha Dutro (1890s). Dr. and Mrs. E.O. Dutro can truly be called pioneers of Hood River County. Early connection to the community of Bridal Veil and Latourell along the Columbia Gorge Highway.

Mrs. Shizue Iwatsuki (1920s to 1970s). Married to Charles Iwatsuki in Japan in 1915, Mrs. Iwatsuki came to Hood River to adjust to the life of an orchard owner's wife. She was a world renowned poet and received honor from the Emperor of Japan in 1974.

Percy Manser (1900s) Early Hood River County painter.

Beatrice Finney (1891-1971). Beatrice served in a variety of community organizations but was most known for her work with the Hood River County War Finance Committee from 1941-1944.